§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, in view of the provisions of the Transport Act 1980, he is ensuring that independent operators on network routes of passenger service vehicles formerly used as private coaches have sufficient maintenance and repair facilities and capabilities to meet the demand on their fleets; and whether full examinations have taken place of premises concerned.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes, of course. The licensing of public service vehicle operators is the responsibility of the traffic commissioners for the area in which the operating centres of the vehicles used under the licence are located. The traffic commissioners are required to satisfy themselves that licence holders meet stringent criteria, including the provision of adequate facilities or arrangements for maintaining in a fit and serviceable condition the vehicles proposed to be used under the licence. I have every confidence in the way the traffic commissioners discharge this task.